Whenever people think of fashion critique, their minds immediately turn to Joan Rivers. If someone mentions anything about red carpet interviewing, there she is again. Do you want to discuss what you thought about buying off the QVC home shopping television network at 2 a.m.? It was most likely something from Rivers' line of jewelry. She is such a well-known celebrity that she has been given one of the most amazing honors in all of stardoms: a Comedy Central Roast. Oh, and she earned an Emmy.
But at the end of the day, what's important is that her comedy is wild, rough and in touch with what is happening now. This is what has kept her on top through the years. Now, on her latest comedy tour, she is stopping in Madison to grace the stage at the Overture Center.
Rivers knew she has wanted to be in show business since she could put two sentences together. Looking at all she has accomplished, it's clear she's been successful in fulfilling that dream. Contrary to this idea, however, is Rivers' critique of her own successes. She believes that ""there is no level of success in our business.""
""You have no idea. It can be taken away from you in a second,"" she said. ""As long as you can pay your bills in this business, you're a success.""
When it came to people supporting Rivers in achieving her dreams, there no one there. Her parents certainly didn't support her career choice. Having attended school at Connecticut College for Women and Barnard, her parents wanted her to be anything but what she is today. Her cousins are doctors and her sister is a lawyer, so when it came to Rivers' show business aspirations, her family was ""shocked, and rightfully so,"" as they felt she was throwing her education away.
""You shouldn't expect people to [support you],"" Rivers said. ""You've got to be your own. You've got to be able to say ‘This is what I want and leave me alone. Look out.'""
It's that drive and action-based attitude that got her to where she is today. In her accomplished career, Rivers says her favorite project is whatever is next on her plate.
""I'm always excited about exactly what I'm starting,"" she said.
Currently, she and daughter Melissa are working on a reality show, which will premiere January of next year. E!'s ""The Fashion Police"" is another one of her passions not only because she gets to write it, but also because of the harsh one-liners she gets to deliver.
What else does Joan Rivers want to try in show business? ""Everything over and over again,"" she said. Among the few things she hasn't conquered yet is screenwriting, and she looks forward to an opportunity. Rivers also wants to get behind the camera again.
""The only stupid movies I have ever been in are ‘Spaceballs' and ‘The Muppets take Manhattan',"" she said.
After receiving assurance that many people consider ""Spaceballs"" to be a classic and that she should be proud, she said, ""I am proud of it,"" laughs and adds, ""But I'd like to do something where I'm not stuck in a tin can.""
Her comedy has a unique character in itself. She credits Richard Pryor, Sam Kinison and Lenny Bruce as her comedy icons. Inspiration can be a fickle mistress, but for Rivers it comes from absolutely anything as long as she finds it funny. It all depends on what is going on in the moment. Some examples?
""Lindsay Lohan. Michael Douglas fighting cancer maybe,"" she said. ""How can that be funny? Well maybe it is to me. You just don't know what's going to hit.""
Rivers will perform at the Overture Center Saturday, Oct. 23, and according to her, it's the perfect time to be in Madison.
""It's the height of the changing leaves. Only a moron would say it's not beautiful,"" she said.
Rivers is also looking forward to a Madison audience.
""Everything is the same now in America. We all watch the same and read the same things so the audience will be smart."" She added, ""It's near a college. It's a smart town.""
Her lone advice to those planning to attend her show: ""Look out.""
Joan Rivers will perform at the Overture Center for the Arts Saturday, Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. Tickets are still available.
